Monday, June 14, 2010

Tips When Buying Your Wedding Ring

One of the most important items that are always present during weddings is the wedding ring. In fact, a wedding ring is very important that one can get away with cakes or other items but not the wedding ring.

In the Philippines, a wedding ring is symbolic figuratively and literally. The rounded ring signifies endless love and commitment and couples are required to wear the wedding ring to show love and commitment to each other and to let the world know that the person is already married.

Wedding rings are exchanged during the marriage ceremony. It forms part of the entire wedding ceremony in Catholic traditions. And once the ring is worn during the wedding day, it should be worn for the rest of the life of the bride and the groom.

And since wedding rings are forever, choosing the right ring with the right components and design is very important. Of course, you don’t want to wear a gold plated wedding ring that changes color with time.

Old folks, however, often tell would-be married couples that the make of the ring is not very important. It’s the commitment and the love of the couple that would make the relationship last.

“Aanhin mo pa ang gintong singsing kung paglipas ng taon eh magkakahiwalay din kayo,” I remember my Lola telling me when we talked about my wedding.

She is right. But for those who have the money for a nice, elegant ring, here are some tips:

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Before you go for shopping you must set your budget. By establishing your budget you can easily shop for your wedding ring and it will also narrow down your choices. Always remember that the metal and stone which you will select for your ring will depend on the price. And in case if your budget is low then you must select gold ring for your lady instead of platinum.

SELECT THE RIGHT METAL

Today you can find wedding rings in wide variety of metals. But the most popular metals are yellow gold, white gold, titanium and platinum. But among all these metals gold are considered to be traditional and titanium are best for those couples who are looking for affordable rings or are allergic to certain metals. But you must also keep in mind before selecting your metal that which metal will look best on your lady’s hand and you must also make sure that it must suit her skin tone.

PICK THE RIGHT STYLE

You can find variety of styles in ring such as plain, thin, rounded, thick and squared. But before selecting the style of your ring you must make sure that your lady is comfortable with the ring and you must also make sure of her personal style.


If your lady wears suits most of the time then you must select a ring which suits more with formal dress and if she wears casual then you must select a ring that will complement more to casual wardrobe. You must also make sure that your wedding ring must compliment your engagement ring which you have chosen already.

SHOP AROUND

Before buying your ring you must visit different jewelry stores. You must compare the rings and its prices and must find out which store has the best collection and the right ring for your lady. You can also buy your ring online. But if you are buying your ring online then you must make sure of their return policy and you must also keep in mind that the website from where you are buying your ring is reputed.

WORDS FROM THE WISE

I’ve heard married couples telling me not to buy a wedding ring that has precious stones. As much as possible, buy a wedding ring that could be elegant but minus the precious stones. Why? A friend said she accidentally hit a hard object with her ring and the stones let loose and went missing. Now, she is wearing a ring that has empty holes that used to hold the stones.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Planning a Wedding?

It took me more than two years to plan out my own wedding. Good thing, my gf (who turned out to be my wife now) was not in such a hurry that she agreed that we plan out our wedding for 24 months. I should say that two years of wedding preparation is already enough to ensure that the wedding day goes smooth and memorable.

There are several factors to consider when planning your own wedding. Let me share some of my experience in planning out my own wedding. Oh, I've been married for six years already and is blessed with a cute four-year-old boy (wife is due next month for our second boy).

Legal Preparations
You need to apply for a marriage license. Marriage license is a requirement for either a Civil or Church wedding to be held in the Philippines. The Application Form for a marriage license must be secured at the Local Civil Registrar from the city, town or municipality where either the bride or the groom habitually resides. The personal appearance of those getting married is required in applying for a marriage license.


2. Parents' Consent (for 18-21 years old) or Parent's Advice (for 21-25 years old): Under Philippine law, the legal age for marriage is 18. If the contracting parties are between the ages of 18 and 21, they must present written consent to the marriage from their father, mother or legal guardian. While any contracting party between the age of 22 and 25 must present written parental advice, i.e., a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry. Read Parental Consent vs. Parental Advice for a detailed discussion on the difference between the two terms.